A judge has publicly criticised the Noosa Council for obstructing the development of a luxury home planned by Endeavour Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, escalating a dispute over building height restrictions on Noosa Hill.
The legal battle stems from Ms. Hrdlicka’s attempt to construct a three-level mansion at 3 Allambi Rise, Noosa Heads, after purchasing the property for $16.9 million in December 2024. The Noosa Plan 2020 generally limits building height to two storeys in the area. Ms. Hrdlicka is seeking an exemption to include a basement level, intended for a gym and games room, effectively creating the third level.
The Noosa Council initially rejected the development application, prompting Ms. Hrdlicka, formerly CEO of Virgin Australia, to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court. During court proceedings, the judge reportedly accused the council of “getting in the way of development,” according to reports. The judge’s comments suggest a frustration with the council’s rigid application of planning regulations.
Architectural plans, created by Shaun Lockyer Architects, depict a sprawling home with a basement, ground floor, and upper level, incorporating a kitchen, living areas, a terrace, a swimming pool, a master bedroom, and three additional ensuite bedrooms. The proposed design requires variances from the Noosa Plan 2020 regarding both height and potentially other design elements.
The dispute follows a previous attempt by Ms. Hrdlicka to gain approval for the demolition of the existing 1970s-era home on the property. The demolition is a prerequisite for the construction of the new mansion. A Facebook post by Noosa News reported on the initial plans to demolish the existing structure, highlighting the scale of the proposed redevelopment.
The Endeavour Group, parent company of Dan Murphy’s and BWS, appointed Ms. Hrdlicka as its new chief executive in February 2026, adding another layer to her public profile during the planning dispute. She had previously assisted with the transition of Dave Emerson into the CEO role at Virgin Australia.
As of February 18, 2026, the Noosa Council has not publicly responded to the judge’s criticism. The Planning and Environment Court is scheduled to continue hearing the case, with a final decision pending.
